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Gayton McKenzie Defends Donald Trump and Supports Ramaphosa Amid Tensions with the US
Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has stirred controversy with his outspoken views on US President Donald Trump amidst growing tensions between South Africa and the United States.
McKenzie Expresses Continued Admiration for Trump
In a widely shared video on social media, McKenzie emphasized that differing opinions are natural and do not mean one should dismiss others’ viewpoints. He openly declared his ongoing admiration for Trump, stating, “Let me tell you something, before all these things, my friends knew I loved Donald Trump. I love that man. The PA knows. Now all of a sudden, I must not love Donald Trump? I have loved him since the days of his reality show.”
McKenzie, who also serves as South Africa’s Sports Minister, likened his affection for Trump to a relationship, saying that even when conflicts arise, it is possible to find common ground again.
“I want to say that we can differ, but that does not mean that we must not listen to each other,” he added.
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Some social media users have reacted sharply to McKenzie’s comments, calling him a “charlatan” and accusing him of opportunism. A post on X (formerly Twitter) referred to him as an “opportunistic grifter,” a term used to describe someone who exploits situations for personal gain.
McKenzie Defends Ramaphosa Over Trump Dispute
Despite the controversy, McKenzie also expressed his support for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stance in the ongoing spat with the United States. Speaking on Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s SMWX podcast, McKenzie praised Ramaphosa’s decision to stand firm in the face of US criticism, describing it as a brave move.
“For me, it was brave what he said. But I want to say that America needs South Africa in particular, and South Africa needs America. It’s our second biggest trading partner,” McKenzie stated.
However, he also criticized the United States for using what he considered improper channels to communicate dissatisfaction with South Africa. “A president shouldn’t be reading on the internet what you think of their dissatisfaction,” he argued.
He further disputed claims that white people are under siege in South Africa, which had been cited by some American commentators. “The biggest thing America did wrong was to believe this saying ‘White people are under siege’. That is not true,” McKenzie asserted.
Despite the tensions between the two nations, McKenzie believes both countries remain interconnected, with mutual interests that should be respected.
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